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What Being a Veteran Means to Me

Col. Jeffery Barnett, 301st Mission Support Group command, swears in approximately 25 Air Force recruits at halftime during the Armed Forces Bowl Dec. 23, 2017, at Amon G. Carter stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. More than 100 recruits from across all five military branches took the oath during the mass enlistment ceremony. (Photo by Maj. Candice Allen/USAF)

I am a veteran. A veteran of many things, one of which happens to be military service. Air Force service, to the tune of 20 years. What does it mean to me to be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?

When I looked into the military ‘lo these many years ago, I had no grand ambitions to be a hero, or go to war, or even stay longer than the minimum time allowed by law. In 1998, I was a video store clerk, getting paid cash at the end of my shift. I was the stereotypical, military or jail type of guy. Though they didn’t offer that particular “incentive” at the time, I understood it was my best option.

I was not a poster child for how to live your life. I had been in and out of trouble with the law, and had burned so many bridges I didn’t have to pay for heating anymore. I had a wife, a son, and absolutely no way to care for either of them. The final straw dropped when one of my friends was indicted for killing another of my friends. One of his best friends, in fact. If that could happen, what fresh hell was waiting for me if things did not change?

In the Navy?

In my pre-Air Force haze, I figured the Navy would be the best option for me. They have a world-class electronics school, and I already had a cousin in the Navy. Another cousin was going into the Army, and I had already run PT with them during delayed enlistment and wanted nothing to do with that kind of crap! Where you gonna run on a ship, huh?

The Navy recruiter was nice, even telling me how to beat the drug test, should I need guidance in that area. I knew then that something was hinky, but figured the Navy knows how to party! They also know how to separate families, I found out from people in that new subdivision, the world wide web. HOW many months at sea?!? But, my recruiter told me I’d be based on the coast, stateside, and would rarely EVER have to actually go to sea. Wait a minute; what does the Air Force do?

The Air Force does not have to work hard to meet recruiting goals. Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Jones made me understand that joining did not mean being paid to party. He showed me how my past was sure as hell going to affect my future, but also showed me he was willing to help me overcome the obstacles I had placed in my own way. His was the very first example of airmanship I ever saw, and I thank him to this day for making time in his schedule to hold my hand through the process.

Airman for Life!

After basic training and tech school, and a couple of years at my first duty location, a group of terrorists murdered 2,977 people. Fast forward a few weeks and I’m washing a load of clothes in a tent on Diego Garcia . “Brian?” I hear behind me. Not used to hearing my first name, it did not register at first. Then I heard it again, and the voice sounded familiar. I turned around, and there stood Technical Sergeant (TSgt) Jones (yes, that really was his name).

He held his hands up and said “Don’t hit me,” but I was just dumbfounded. How in the hell was my recruiter, whom I’d last seen standing in the video store three years ago, now crunching over crushed coral to say hi? Turns out, he was there to catch and turn the B-2s that were returning from bombing runs over Afghanistan. Only there for a few days, he would be leaving that night. Just a few days before, I had helped unload the jet that had brought him there.

B-2 Spirit

We talked for a while, catching up. He had become a regular part of my life while in the recruiting phase, and asked about my wife and son. I told him about my daughter, born the year before, and he told me about his daughters being close to graduation (I think; it was a long time ago). He told me he had some things for me to make deployment better, if I wanted them. I still have the self-inflating air mattress he gave me. Made that cot a LOT more comfortable, I’ll tell you.

Since I had to go to work, I wasn’t able to see him off. He came by my tent and dropped off the stuff he had, plus a hand-written note. I’m pretty sure I still have that note somewhere, too. His note told me he was proud of the way things had worked out for me. He gave me credit for doing the right things to get myself out of the morass I was stuck in in Nashville. He gave credit to God for putting me in his path.

Reflections of a (Former) Young Punk

I didn’t join to make the world a better place, fight terrorism, or even go to school. I joined to make life better for my wife and son. I joined to stop myself from becoming an alcoholic, junkie, or worse. I joined because it was the best option I had at the time. I stayed because of people like TSgt Jones. He was an Air Force veteran when we met, and his example led me to where I am right now, writing this piece for you to read.

what a veteran means to me essay

I have counseled many Airmen through the years on whether the Air Force was the right fit for them. Usually, it was, but sometimes it wasn’t. Some of those guys separated and went on to become professionals in their own right, becoming beacons of veteran ingenuity and resourcefulness. Some work for major defense contractors, while others teach, build, or repair. Some stayed in for 20 years, moving up through the ranks, becoming supervisors and mentors.

Veteran Status

If I’m not in my truck with the DV plates on it, you probably wouldn’t know I’m a veteran. I don’t have Air Force tattoos, I don’t wear Air Force veteran t-shirts, and the only bumper sticker I ever had was for my daughter’s high school band. I don’t broadcast my “status” at all. I do, however, talk to anyone who asks about my service. I lay out the good and the bad of being in the Air Force. I happily tell my kids’ friends whether I think the military is right for them.

I do not define myself by my military service. It was the longest job I’ve ever held, with some of the proudest and most horrible moments I’ve ever had. It did bring me out of the hole I had dug for myself as a teenager. It gave me the footing to build the life I have now. The life WE have now, because my wife and kids were there through it all.

Was I proud of my military service? Mostly, yes. Would I do it all over again? Yup, with a few minor changes. Would I go back now? Not on your life! To me, being a veteran means I’ve been there and done that. I have helped others be there and do that, as well. Being a veteran means I have experienced the good and the bad, and chose to go on.

Brian Hudson Air Force

The military machine grinds on and on, and will until there is no more Enemy. I was a single cog in that machine for 20 years; interchangeable, maybe, but still an integral part. That is what being a veteran means to me.

what a veteran means to me essay

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Veterans Day — The Importance of Honoring Veterans

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The Importance of Honoring Veterans

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Published: Oct 25, 2023

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Introduction, the importance of honoring and supporting our veterans, veterans day and patriotism.

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what a veteran means to me essay

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Protect Our Troops

What It Means to Be a Veteran

I have watched many veterans over the years come back from Afghanistan, Iraq, and other countries with some welcoming and others shunning them. We have so many freedoms in this country. Even just the freedom to voice our opinion is incredible and not something that everyone in the world possesses.

Where did that freedom come from? It wasn’t just a given. These freedoms were earned many years ago, not given. It was not earned by you or I but by men and women hundreds of years ago who we have only read about in history books. Do you think anybody in the colonies were running their mouths or writing about how they were against the war when the soldiers came back from fighting? I can bet you it is a no. You know why? Because they had pride in their country and their freedoms, not only what had been earned through the sacrifice of many lives but also those that have been earned with time. Over the years, we have taken the freedoms we have for granted and the veterans who have stood up and protected them.

The 1 Percent

The military is made up of less than 1 percent of our population. That means less than 1 percent of the people who live in the United States continuously earn and protect our freedom. You do realize if it was not for our veterans and our military, things like 9/11 would happen more often. You can simply take a trip to Afghanistan, Iraq, or Pakistan (just to name a few) and see how those people live in fear of a terrorist attack, and they live without any of the freedoms we have and take for granted today.

As a veteran, you should not have trouble calling yourself a veteran. Be proud of what you do and what you have done to protect and earn our freedom with your service. You’re one of the few, the 1 percent. But this doesn’t mean anybody owes you anything. I have told my soldiers for years that just because you went to war doesn’t mean anybody owes you a job or a rose parade or even dinner! If you want to earn the respect of civilians, then first look for companies that hold events for veterans and appreciate them. Then go by and say thank you or write them a letter of appreciation. There are many companies out there that cater to veterans for employment, so you should try and work for them and then participate in the events they provide. Low VA Rates specializes in loans for veterans, and they are constantly finding new ways to serve the veteran community. You should always thank other veterans and remember that you’re one to. I have never had a problem calling myself a veteran nor have I been ashamed or embarrassed that I am in the Army. You shouldn’t either.

what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-veteran-2

The Image of the Military and Veterans

The perception of the military changes daily for the better and many people are thankful for this simple fact. As veterans and military service members, we have an image to protect and it only takes one to ruin it. When you decide to do something stupid (usually centered around drinking) then you are ruining it for us all. Protect our image the same as you have protected our freedom. We always will share a greater bond with anybody we deployed with over anybody we play basketball with on Tuesday nights. When you are out or even at home, remember that we are all the same. We are veterans! This comes with a sense of pride and professionalism. Therefore, conduct yourself as such and our opportunities will become greater. The public will see us as true professionals and the people they look up to. Believe me, when something bad happens, they’re going to look to you for guidance and help. This is what it means to be a veteran.

When a civilian thanks you for your service, politely say “my pleasure and thank you for your appreciation.” What you have done and the sacrifices you have made are tremendous. What does it mean to be a veteran? It means you’re the 1 percent that had the courage and honor to stand up and say, “I will defend my country against all enemies foreign and domestic.” Be proud of your service and don’t lie about it. Thank the people who thank and support you.

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Leave no veteran behind.

what a veteran means to me essay

What It Means to be a Veteran

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Being a U.S. military veteran also means you were willing to fight and die in service to this country. It meant being separated from friends, family and loved ones. It meant giving up control of your life to others and having to trust your well-being to them. It meant risking life and limb and potential (permanent) injury, either to complete a mission, help your buddies fighting alongside you or just in doing what you were supposed to do. It meant you took an oath to ‘Support and Defend the Constitution of the United States’… and lived up to your part of the bargain. Since there is no longer a military draft in this country, it meant you voluntarily signed up.

Why in the hell would you or anyone volunteer for this?

Was it a deep desire to serve your country? Or was it for the benefits you were promised such as furthering or continuing your education? Maybe it was learning something new, that sounded interesting to you? Or maybe (like me) you saw no better options in your life at the time. Possibly you were done with school, or dropped out; maybe you were unemployed and the idea of free food, housing and a steady paycheck were too tempting? Probably it was all or most of these along with the promises from your recruiter which made it sound even better. Were you talked into becoming a technician, plotting safe routes or supply lines in and out for the troops? Or a pilot? Maybe you were a combat cook, figuring out how to feed your troops with dwindling supplies? Maybe you were ‘just’ a grunt. Or any one of the hundreds of other jobs, thinking you would be better off after your service, when you discharged.

Were you thinking the same way as you huddled down in your foxhole with your head between your knees, hearing the impact of bullets, or the explosions going off all around? When the overwhelming smells of blood, piss, smoke and yes fear almost knocked you out. Were your thoughts still on what you were going to do when you got out, or were they closer to if you got out of there alive? What were you thinking as you heard screams and prayers coming from the foxholes around you? It doesn’t matter! It doesn’t matter, as long as you served and served with honor. Every military job has it’s risks. What ever the reason; whatever military job you had and whether or not you served on active duty or as a reservist, whether or not you saw or were involved in any actual combat, you could have and that is what counts. As a Vietnam veteran once said, “you had your ass on the line”. Again, that is what counts. You are a military veteran, you served with honor and yes you do expect certain things for it, from your government and/or the people you helped and/or served, or just from your fellow citizens. That bargain you upheld from when you took ‘The Oath’ to when you received your honorable discharge, came with expectations by you also. In the book “Starship Troopers” by Robert Heinlein, only military veterans had earned the right to vote. As a U.S. military veteran you are not asking for that or any additional rights, but:

You expect to be respected. You don’t need to be saluted or ‘thanked for your service’ all the time, but maybe it’s nice to hear on Veteran’s or Memorial Day. You expect your veteran status to look good on a resume or application. Yes, you want to be hired or accepted based on your qualifications, but being a veteran should help, not hurt in that. You expect help if and when you need it. You helped enough people during your service (your entire country and maybe other ones as well).

Not everything in life goes perfectly or according to plan. Did your plans include marriage or starting and raising a family? Use your VA home loan to buy a house? Were you going to get that college degree and then start your chosen career? Or put the skills you learned in the military to use? Did your marriage fall apart or the career you envisioned never come to pass? Or possibly the injuries or trauma you experienced (mental or physical) catch up with you and prevent you from achieving your goals. Where did you turn for help? Friends, family or a ‘grateful’ government? Too many veterans either didn’t have these options or the help wasn’t enough and they ended up poor, hurt or for some, hungry and homeless.

That shouldn’t happen but it does! The biggest problem with not getting help is that there are so many that need help, way too many. Yes there are a lot of generous people and organizations that try; but there are never enough of them, and/or never enough money for those that need. Yes, the Government tries to help; and there are lots of dedicated government employees who try to (believe it or not), but whether it is red tape, inefficiency or lack of funding or any of myriad other reasons, government help cannot always be counted on. Too many veterans are still on the street or hurting, any help from any people or organizations is always appreciated.

by Larry Shields All rights reserved by author

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How To Write Papers About Veterans

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Essay paper writing

what a veteran means to me essay

Nowadays, there are many important topics that need to be discussed. The world is full of events, and some of them change our lives in the most unpredictable and terrifying way. War is the most terrible expression of human nature. All attempts are useless when it comes to explaining how people managed to conquer the oceans, mountains, and space but still haven’t evolved enough to understand how senseless the war is.

Nevertheless, there were always people who fought for peace. Veterans have changed and defined the world we live in. Undoubtedly, they need to be respected and remembered, and that is why essays about veterans are written in schools and universities. In this article, we will describe how to compose essays about veterans and emphasize the importance of remembering the atrocities of wars.

Best veterans essay topics

There are various veterans essays on bravery and sacrifices, and while you might choose a similar topic, there is a wide variety of options that you might want to check before you do. Here is our top pick of war and veterans day essay ideas:

  • Essay about homeless veterans and HUD-VASH
  • Act of bravery essay
  • Essay on homeless veterans and PTSD
  • Veterans day essays
  • Essay on courage and bravery
  • What does veterans day mean to me essay  
  • Honor definition essay
  • Honoring veterans essay
  • What is a veteran essay
  • Essay about war veterans
  • Essay about making sacrifices
  • Essay about appreciating vets
  • Everyday heroes essay
  • Life of a soldier essay
  • Navy core values essay 
  • What it means to be a veteran and what Veterans Day means to me essay
  • What they fought for essay

what does veterans day mean to me essay

Good argumentative essay topics about veterans

Argumentative essay is one of the most frequently assigned tasks in schools and universities. Besides, it is also among the most interesting ones. That is why we decided to present some interesting argumentative essay topics about veterans:

  • Why do we celebrate Veterans Day essay
  • Why are veterans important essay
  • What makes someone a hero essay
  • Why is it important to remember war deeds?
  • Is US government doing enough for the war heroes?
  • Why many veterans end up homeless?
  • Should screening for PTSD and mental disorders be mandatory for veterans?

Tips for Writing Essays About War

When writing veterans day papers and about war in general, it is important to remember a few simple tips:

  • Mind the style . The essay writing style should be semi-formal or formal. Do not use slang and word abbreviations, for example, instead of can’t write cannot, instead of wanna - want to, etc.
  • Stay polite. As you might have to talk about politics, religion, death, and other controversial topics, it is important to stay objective. Do not use hate speech and fact-check any information that you plan on including.
  • Use abbreviations carefully. There are a lot of abbreviations used in the military sphere. Before using an abbreviated version, be sure to write down a full one for readers to understand you better.
  • Leave some time for proofreading your paper . Manage your time in such a way that at the end of the day, you will have some time to reread your essay and correct the mistakes and typos.
  • Read some veterans day essays examples. These essays may inspire you to write your own or give you a better understanding of how to do it. Search for samples on a few specific topics, such as veterans and PTSD or memorial day essay examples to see the variety of arguments that can be presented in the paper. However, never plagiarize any of these texts because you will receive a 0 on your assignment.

Veterans day essays

Veterans research paper topics

  • Research paper on veterans’ rights
  • Homeless veterans research paper
  • The post-traumatic stress disorder in the soldiers of the Iraq war
  • Programs for veterans in the US
  • Veterans employability in the United States
  • Women veterans and PTSD
  • Affordable housing for veterans in the US
  • Long-term psychological effects of wars on veterans
  • High rate of suicide among Vietnam veterans
  • Study of mental problems of veterans in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder scholarly articles

Writing Research Papers on Veterans

  • Choose the topic of interest . This advice seems obvious, but it is really important to stick to it. If you conduct research on a topic that you really like, you will be more likely to create a decent paper and finish it faster.
  • Use only credible sources. Evaluate the credibility of the materials you find, especially online. Remember that Wiki-type websites, blogs, and forums are not the most reliable sources of information. Stick to scholarly sources such as books and journal articles instead.
  • Check your sources. War is difficult subject, and it is easy to manipulate the audience and distort facts to evoke certain emotions in readers when talking about it. Check the background of authors and read their texts carefully to make sure they are trying to be unbiased.
  • Do not be afraid to ask for help. Your professor and, most likely, some of your friends, will be able to help you on different stages of the assignment completion. If you are not sure your topic is suitable, run it by your professor before you start working on the paper. When you finish writing, ask your friends to read your text to see if it makes sense.

Interesting Facts for Veterans Day Papers

Story of Chris Kyle

  • In February 2013, in the district of Erat, Texas, more than 30 thousand people came to say goodbye to the national hero of America, military sniper Chris Kyle. He took part in the military operation in Iraq and became the most effective shooter in the history of the US Army. He had more than 150 confirmed murders on his account.
  • A reward of $20,000 was offered for Kyle’s head in Iraq. However, he died four years after the demobilization. The sniper was shot by another veteran of Afghanistan, whom Kyle tried help with PTSD.
  • Kyle became a national hero. A movie about his life was released at the end of 2014, grossed $ 280 million, and was nominated for six awards in the American Film Academy.
  • Nowadays, there are more than 1.5 million American veterans. About 20% of them were shell-shocked, 50% were injured by bomb explosions, and 73% suffered PTSD.

Job search and rehabilitation

  • For several years, the US managed to build an effective system for the rehabilitation of veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. At the same time, the state essentially refused public donations.
  • The US economy is not able to provide jobs for all those who returned from the war. And according to the US Department of Defense, 57% of people who have gone through military operations cannot normally continue to serve. It’s not just about physical injuries - most of them are not ready for a new war psychologically. However, it is also hard for them to get back to the “normal” life.

Homelessness

  • According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development of the United States, as of January 2016, there were more than 13,000 veterans who were forced to live regularly on the streets. About 40 thousand at the same time noted that they had to spend at least one night on the street because of the lack of overnight accommodation.
  • On August 1, 2016, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the US Veterans Affairs Department, and the Interdepartmental Council for Homeless Affairs noted that this indicator decreased by 47% since 2010. Representatives of the White House also stressed that from January 2015 to January 2020, the number of homeless veterans decreased by 17%.
  • American soldiers replenish the ranks of the homeless. The commercials of the American army promise life full of adventures, career growth, and even American citizenship. It sounds tempting, but recruiters don’t always tell the whole truth about what awaits new soldiers on the battlefield and what they can expect after military service.

Veterans day speech ideas

  • Why we need to remember wars and veterans
  • Society without wars is a utopic idea
  • My father (or any other relative) is a war hero
  • Why veterans are our asset
  • ‘In valor there is hope’
  • While we were sleeping peaceably in our beds…
  • Why Veterans Day is so special to me
  • We can do more for the veterans

When is Veterans Day Celebrated?

On November 11, the United States celebrates Veterans Day. This date was the day of the end of the First World War for the States, after the signing of the Compiegne Armistice in 1918. The United States took an active part in the military and political actions of this war on the side of the Entente. In total, the First World War lasted more than 4 years, with 38 countries involved. The number of deaths, according to official records, exceeds 10 million people.

Veterans’ Lives in Different Countries of the World

Have you ever thought how veterans of the Second World War live in different countries?

  • Wehrmacht veterans are provided with comfortable and high-level social protection. Depending on the rank and merit, they receive a decent pension.
  • It is interesting that veterans of other countries who were seized during war and are still living in Germany have the right for a pension as well as social security benefits. Veterans of war can count on a free two-time hospitalization a year, and if it comes to the prisoners of war, the number of hospitalizations is unlimited.
  • The size of the pension for veterans of the Second World War in the UK directly depends on the military rank and severity of injuries. Monthly payments fluctuate between 2000 and 9000 euros.
  • American participants in the Second World War are honored twice a year by the US authorities. Fallen soldiers are remembered on Memorial Day, celebrated on the last Monday in May, and veterans are honored on November 11 at Veterans’ Day.
  • American veterans get an extra $1200 to their pension, which, on average, is $1500. Second World War soldiers in the United States are supervised by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, which manages 175 hospitals, hundreds of nursing homes, and thousands of district clinics. If the illness or disability of a veteran is a consequence of military service, the state covers all costs for their treatment.
  • The number of veterans of the Second World War in France is about 800 thousand people: 500 thousand of them are former military men, 200 thousand are members of the Resistance, and 100 thousand were deported to Germany. 

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    Veterans day is a time once a year that we celebrate on November 11.We celebrate to honer the people in the military for serving this country. On 1919 Woodrow Wilson declared that on November 11 it will always be known as Armistice day. Later on 1954 president Eisenhower change the Armistice day to the day we all know now Veterans day.